Degree from a Dutch university of applied sciences (HBO)
This page outlines the step-by-step process for completing your application to a Master's programme at Utrecht University. Please read this information thoroughly before starting your application.
To be admitted to the Master's programme in Cultural History and Heritage with a degree of a University of Applied Sciences, you almost always have to complete a Pre-Master's programme first. Below you will find the required competences to be admitted to the Master's programme, the selection procedure for the Master's programme and information about the Pre-Master's programme.
Competencies
This is a selective Master's. You will be considered for admission to the Master’s programme in Cultural History and Heritage if you have a Bachelor’s degree in history or any associated discipline through which you can demonstrate the following knowledge, insight, and skills:
- You have a demonstrable interest in cultural history, heritage, public history, or cultural issues in modern society.
- You are interested in the use and application of theories and concepts in cultural history and show evidence of analytic ability in history or cultural studies.
- You are able to design and conduct historical research and have strong reading and writing skills.
- You possess initiative and good communicative and cooperative skills.
Selection procedure
The Admissions Committee will decide on your application. The committee will assess whether you will be able to successfully complete the Master’s programme based on the documents you submit. The committee takes into account:
- Level of academic competence and research skills.
- Level of knowledge of relevant historical methods and theories.
- A clear motivation for the Master’s programme.
- Strong communication skills, initiative, and ability to cooperate.
- Command of the language(s) used in the programme.
An interview may be part of the selection procedure if there are doubts about your suitability, your motivation, or both. In that case, you will receive an invitation by the Programme Coordinator for such an interview. Alternatively, if you are residing outside the Netherlands, the interview may be conducted by telephone or through Skype.
Pre-Master's programme
If you obtained your degree at a Dutch University of Applied Sciences (HBO). you might still be able to enter the Master’s programme. You must then first follow a Pre-Master's programme.
To be admitted to the Master of Cultural History and Heritage, you must have a proven record of relevant historical background. This means that you have experience and affinity with the methodology and theorizing relevant within the historical sciences.
In concrete terms, this means that you have successfully completed a module on the theory of historiography (or philosophy of science for the humanities), as well as a course that provides an overview of history (such as Modern History or World History). You must also have experience in conducting research independently at advanced undergraduate level.
The Pre-Master's programme can be awarded on the basis of a completed college degree in Journalism, Archaeology, Cultural Heritage or similar.
If you want to be considered for a Pre-Master's programme, you simply go through the application procedure for the Master's programme, just like students who meet all entry requirements. The Admissions Committee will decide whether you can follow a Pre-Master's programme and what form it should take. Once you have been notified, you can register for the Pre-Master's programme.
Have you completed an HBO programme and are you about to embark on a Pre-Master's programme? Then you might need some support. On the Premaster support page you will find information about the Premaster kick-start, which consists of workshops and useful tips. Utrecht University also offers numerous training courses, such as Academic Learning, Academic English, Research Design and Scientific Writing.
Not sure if you are eligible?
You can contact us with questions about your eligibility.
| Applications open | 1 October |
|---|---|
| Application deadline for scholarship candidates | 1 February |
| Application deadline for Non-EU passport holders | 1 April |
| Application deadline for EU passport holders | 1 June |
All deadlines expire at 23:59 [CET/CEST] on the specified date. You must complete the application process (including submitting your application documents in OSIRIS Online Application and paying the application fee) by this time.
The following documents must be uploaded before the application deadline:
Diploma or graduation statement
A scan of your transcript (including courses, grades and GPA)
Please make sure the document has a stamp and signature of the institute.Writing sample: Research paper, essay or BA thesis on a subject relevant to the field of study, written in English
Visit Studielink and complete the registration process. You can find all information on how to use Studielink here. After completing your Studielink application, you will receive login details for OSIRIS Online Application within 2 working days.
Apply via StudielinkAfter submitting your application to Studielink, you will receive an email with login details for OSIRIS Online Application. Here you can upload all required documents, check the status of your application and enter contact details of your referee(s).
After you upload all documents in OSIRIS, the Graduate School will evaluate them. We strive to inform you of our decision within 20 working days.